Bunions

What are Bunions?

Bunion deformity, also known as a hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion (bump) of the metatarsal bone that form at the base of the big toe. Bunions are a common toe disorder that affect approximately one third of all adults in the United States. As the first metatarsal deviates towards the midline of  your body, the great toe is pulled towards the second toe. As a result, the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of your big toe becomes prominent and is irritated by shoe gear and with activity.

Bunions, if left untreated, can be the source of a lot of foot pain. Shoe gear compresses the soft tissue overlying the abnormally positioned bone causing pain.  Bunions are a complex three dimensional deformity caused by an unstable midfoot joint. 

Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®

If your bunions are bothering you, then a visit to Grand Rapids Podiatry for an evaluation of your feet may be exactly what you need. Approximately 70% of men and women who have traditional bunion surgery are dissatisfied with the procedure results and eventually seek further treatment. At Grand Rapids Podiatry Dr. Solon uses Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction (if appropriate) to get to the root of your problem and to decrease the likelihood of you requiring additional treatment in the future. Call Grand Rapids Podiatry to schedule your appointment as soon as possible to get the foot relief you deserve.

What is Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®

Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® is an innovative and proven procedure (over 75,000  procedures performed) that corrects the foundation of your bunion condition at the the level of the unstable joint. By correcting the deformity at the level of the unstable joint, the entire length of the first metatarsal is restored to normal alignment. The big toe joint is a concave/convex joint, therefore the big toe will go back to a normal, straighter position as the first metatarsal is realigned (the big toe moves in the opposite direction that the first metatarsal moves with this correction). This procedure not only alleviates your foot pain, but it also significantly reduces the chances of you developing a recurrent deformity after your original surgery.

Traditional bunion surgeries remove a portion of the "bump" and attempt to realign the distal portion of the first metatarsal. This type of procedure may be all that some individuals require, but the majority of patients with bunion deformity will have far better long term results by addressing the unstable joint with Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®. Traditional bunion surgery attempts to correct a 3-dimensional foot problem with a 2-dimensional surgical procedure. Many individuals after their original 2-dimensional surgery will have residual deformity or develop recurrent deformity over their lifetime's. The Lapiplasty® procedure is a true 3-dimensional correction of a 3-dimensional structural foot problem. Lapiplasty® correction gives you a much better chance of not having residual deformity after surgery or developing recurrent deformity over the course of your lifetime.

Click here to see why Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® differs from traditional 2D surgery!

With Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® , your podiatrist doesn’t cut off the excess bone. Instead, you will have realignment of your bones to a more normal anatomic position with the unstable joint being strengthened and stabilized with titanium implants (plates and screws) as shown below. By addressing the root of your bunion problem, the chances of you developing a recurrent deformity are greatly decreased.

How long does Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® take?

The Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®  procedure is an outpatient surgery that requires approximately one hour to complete. Typically this procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital with the use of IV sedation and local anesthetic. You can rest in the comfort of your own home for recovery after your procedure is complete. Dr. Solon will provide you with detailed post operative care instructions prior to your surgery.

Can I return to normal activity after the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® 

Yes you will eventually return to your day-to-day activities after the surgery, however, as with any surgical procedure there will be very specific post operative requirements that you will need to follow after having the Lapiplasty®  procedure. Dr. Solon will go over the post operative requirements with you prior to your surgery and you will be give written post operative instructions. Most patients typically begin walking again — with the assistance of a surgical boot/BK Walker within days after your surgery.

Most patients return to walking shoes between 6-7 weeks after the surgery, low impact activity around 3-3/12 months, and back to all activity and exercise around 4 months. It is important to remember, however, that everyone's recovery is different.

Can I have Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®  surgery if I have had a previous surgery?

Yes, many patients who have Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® do so after having less than satisfactory results from previous traditional surgery. 

Discover Lasting Relief

Imagine a life without the discomfort and limitations of bunions. The Lapiplasty procedure with its remarkable precision and long lasting results is a trans-formative solution in the world of bunion correction, and it can turn this dream into a reality for you.  The first step in determining if the Lapiplasty® procedure is appropriate for you is to make an appointment with Grand Rapids Podiatry for an evaluation and recommendation as to what is in your best interest.  We have in office radiographic equipment to fully evaluate the structure of your feet, and your radiographs will be reviewed with you during your visit so you have a complete understanding of your condition. Whether you decide to proceed with any form of surgical treatment for your condition, or not will be completely up to you. Dr. Solon will also provide you with conservative strategies to help you with your foot discomfort.  Take the first steps towards a life without bunion discomfort, and re-discover the joy of a life well lived by calling Grand Rapids Podiatry today to schedule an evaluation and consultation.